Darius Burge has been a stalwart of this club for many years, one area in which he's been most prolific is the realm of umpiring, for decades he's scoured the county, sending countless batsmen back to the changing rooms. D's made quite a name for himself as an umpire over the years and it’s even rumoured that in the 1730's when Molesey Hurst saw cricket’s first ever LBW, it was Darius who raised the finger.

However this is, after all, a player profile and if one is to understand D as a player one must look back to his roots. Originally from Calcutta (now Kolkata) whose bustling streets still inspire his thirst for quick singles, he's built his game around the 'Calcutta Cut Shot', it served him well on the spinning pitches of the subcontinent in his youth and earned him many runs at Southall CC in the Middlesex League. D continued his illustrious playing career at EMCC and is the only man to represent every team from 1sts to 5ths.

Both in terms of physical stature and wisdom D strikes close resemblance to the mighty Yoda. Darius was instrumental in setting up the junior section at EMCC and in recent years, as the senior sides have become flooded with juniors, D has rarely missed an opportunity to impart his cricketing wisdom upon the young Jedis of the club. For example, I distinctly recall when making my senior debut at the tender age of 12 Darius was fielding at short leg, walking in with intent, and of course not bothering with these unnecessary modern accessories known as helmets. Inevitably he was hit pretty hard from short range, potentially a fatal incident for a bloke of his age, but when I enquired as to his wellbeing he replied, ‘How can the ball hurt? It’s only on you for a second’.

Whilst he may not find a cricket ball at high speed to be particularly painful, the same cannot be said when his Grandson, Leo of the Under 5s, takes minimal interest in cricket and delivers gut punching news such as that he wants to be a dancer.

He’s stepped back from Saturday cricket in recent years but this has not hindered his cricketing exploits, he’s a promising up-and-comer for the Surrey Over 70s where his youthful exuberance propelled him to a century for the county side in July. He also regularly plays football, having seen what D’s gotten up to in cricket matches, I can only imagine the damage he’s caused in a sport where you’re allowed to tackle!

Off the field D’s contribution at Graburn Way has been extensive, having come to the club’s aid when the clubhouse roof fell in, he’s helped rebuild EMCC into one of the leading clubs in the country and continues his support by running the Sunday Trust League which has brought silverware and added playing opportunities to many young players in recent years.

Darius is a legend of the club, we’re all very grateful for what he’s done and for what I’m sure he’ll continue to do.